Aircraft will be conducting training exercises near Silvana

People living in north Snohomish County might notice an unusual number of aircraft in the area moving at low altitude, sheriff’s spokeswoman Shari Ireton said.

Northwest Regional Aviation is planning to conduct the training operations between noon and 4 p.m.

Aircraft likely to be used will be UH-60 and HH-65 helicopters and a Cessna 206 fixed-wing aircraft. People in these areas likely will see low-level aircraft operations as the pilots evaluate the scene, maneuver for rescue operations and practice hoisting survivors into the helicopter for transport, Ireton said.

Various agencies, including the military, will take part. The scenarios are meant to simulate a flood event in north Snohomish County requiring rescuers to assist stranded victims.

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, Washington State Department of Transportation, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and the Washington Army National Guard are expected to take part in the aviation exercises.

Personnel from Snohomish County fire districts 19, 22 and 26, Seattle Fire Department, the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management, Arlington Airport and SNOPAC will be supporting the aviation exercise.